“I was completely caught off guard when Suzie approached me and asked how I felt about being athlete of the month. Honestly, to say I am thrilled would be an understatement. Coincidently, this month marks my second year anniversary as a member of CrossFit 128, which I give 100% credit to my sidekick Janelle. She was the one who convinced me to give CrossFit a try. I recall getting up super early in order to make it there for the 5 am class from Somerville. I vividly remember that morning because she was a no show. I contemplated driving away and just going for a run, which is what my usual routine was. Instead, I mustered up the courage, put on my big girl pants, and completed my first ever CrossFit WOD. Despite personally feeling intimidated by the strength from the crew, everyone at the 5am class was nothing but welcoming, supportive, and motivating.

Reflecting back on my level of athleticism, I must share a funny but true fact about how I got to where I am. In high school, anyone who knew me, knew they would never find me in gym class. I would skip all the time, even if it meant the consequences of not being able to graduate. Ultimately, I flunked my freshman year of gym and had to attend summer school gym to earn the minimum credits necessary to graduate.

Fast forward a few years, I was struggling to lose the baby weight after having my son. I tried aerobics, spin classes, stair climbers, you name it. I hated every minute of it. I never felt like I was getting the results I wanted. People at the gym weren’t very friendly and I was completely on my own, unmotivated. It wasn’t until a close friend of mine convinced me to give running a try. For the past 11 years, I have and continue to remain an active runner. I have completed 6 marathons, dozens of half marathons, and countless 5K’s and 10K’s.

Being a part of CrossFit has afforded me the opportunity to build a much stronger me, which I have never thought was possible. Reflecting back, I went from googling what AMRAP and EMOM’s meant, to waiting each night for the workout to post, just so I could watch YouTube videos demonstrate the various lifts.

Now I focus on my weaknesses and fears. Challenging myself to improve and conquer these obstacles have been my primary focus, with the help of fellow cross fitters. I have finally been able to do box jumps. I’ve almost made it to the top on a rope climb (that was frightening). I even participated in my first Open. I find that the biggest competitor is myself and I would never be able to find the motivation or be successful without all of the support and encouragement from others in the 5am class. If I never said it before, I am saying it now. Thank you”